More than $1 million in bath salts seized in Penobscot County | News

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BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Penobscot County Sheriff's office seized more than a million dollars in bath salts. Four people are arrested as a result of the seizure and three remain behind bars. This investigation and seizure led to one of the largest bath salts seizures in the state.

The four suspects arrested are identified as Leonard Wells of Hermon, Arthur Coy of Houston Texas, Elizabeth Fuentes of Houston Texas, and Steven Warren of Corinth. They face charges of aggravated trafficking in synthetic hallucinogens, a class A felony because the residence was within 1000 feet of a school. If convicted they could serve up to 30 years in prison.

They face charges of aggravated trafficking in synthetic hallucinogens, a class A felony because the residence was within 1000 feet of a school. If convicted they could serve up to 30 years in prison.

Police found nearly 20 pounds of a bath salts compound known as alpha-PVP. This type of hallucinogen sells for around 150 dollars per gram in the state of Maine.

Investigators did connect the origin of the synthetic drugs to China, the product is thought to have entered the U-S through Aroostook County where the alleged drug dealers would sell them both in Maine and across the country.

According to M-D-E-A's Commander Darrell Crandell, it is not uncommon for synthetic drugs to be shipped from other countries.

Crandall said, "Over the past six months or so it appears to be increasing again and getting worse based upon the quantities and shipments we have intercepted. Again, we will see how much impact this particular seizure, this particular case has had. We have had quite a number of seizures in other counties that are having some impacts. It's tough to tell, it will have an impact, is it short term or long term?"

The investigation is still ongoing as they continue to review evidence. The four suspects arrested did appear in court. Leonard Wells made bail, the other three remain in police custody. Although it does have international connections the Attorney General's office will be prosecuting this case at a state level.